Six outstanding young adults have been named Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) finalists by Holstein Association USA. The highest honor given to a Junior Holstein
Member, the award has been recognizing young adults for their dedicated work with Registered Holsteins and involvement in the dairy industry since 1922.
“The commitment these young adults have to the future of the dairy industry is inspiring,” says Kelli Dunklee, Holstein Association USA Event and Program Lead. “It’s been a joy to watch these Junior Holstein members develop a passion for the Registered Holstein cow throughout the years.”
Holstein Association USA named the DJM finalists on June 27, 2023, during the National Junior Holstein Convention Awards Banquet in Lexington, Kentucky. Congratulations to the 2023 Distinguished Junior Member finalists!
2023 DJM Finalists:
Quinn Dum, Elliottsburg, Pennsylvania
Madeline Hensel, Pittsville, Wisconsin
Kylie Konyn, Escondido, California
Ainsley Noble, Lancaster, Wisconsin
Jacob Schaefer, Little Falls, Minnesota
Lauren Siemers, Kiel, Wisconsin
DJM judging is a two-part process. Youth members competing put together a book highlighting their Junior Holstein work, activities and projects, breeding program, and personal views. The Junior’s entry book is worth 60 percent of the final score, and the top 12 individuals are named DJM Semifinalists based on their book score.
Phase two of the contest takes place at National Junior Holstein Convention, where the semifinalists are interviewed by a committee of judges. The interview is worth 40 percent of the final score, and the six individuals with the highest combined scores are named DJM finalists.
Young Distinguished Junior Member Finalists
Eight Junior Holstein members ages 9 to 16 were selected as Young Distinguished Junior Member (YDJM) finalists. The applicants were judged on their YDJM books, which highlight their accomplishments and leadership with the Junior Holstein Association and beyond.
The YDJM finalists were recognized during the 2023 National Junior Holstein Convention in Lexington, Kentucky. Congratulations to these outstanding Junior Holstein members for their impressive accomplishments!
2023 YDJM Finalists:
Sarah Craun, Mount Crawford, Virginia
Cathryn Gunst, Pine River, Wisconsin
Christopher Gunst, Pine River, Wisconsin
Kiara Konyn, Escondido, California
Mykel Mull, Chowchilla, California
Jesslyn Risser, Lebanon, Pennsylvania
Dylan Ryan, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Alexis Schultz, Marion, New York
